The Lost Heir

Chapter 13 - Celaena

The weeks passed slowly, yet quickly at the same time, and Celaena had found herself helping the rebels more and more. It had started with attending the odd meeting, curious about what they were planning, but had escalated to the point where she helped on the occasional raid, and gave up information that would help them in their escapes whilst also delaying guards. And somewhere along the way, Celaena had accepted the fact that Aelin was not dead, that she was, in fact, Aelin, and at times even caught herself thinking about changes she would make when she was Queen. If. If she were queen. And Aedion had definitely wheedled his way back into her life now. If she weren't out doing something for the king, shopping or training, she was with him. And even then, Aedion would often accompany her on those expeditions or help her improve her skills in one way or another. Although she personally believed she had helped him more than he had helped her. These simple changes had made her feel happier - lighter, then she had in years.

But she should've known it would never last. That something would happen, so that she wouldn't be able to stay happy.

So of course, one day, about 4 months since Aedion had arrived in Rifthold, Celaena's presence was requested in the throne room, for a new mission.

"There are rebels rising in Wendlyn. I want them gone." That was it. That was all the King told Celaena before informing her that she had four hours until her boat left.

"My pleasure, your majesty." She simply replied, not letting him know how unnerved that order had made her, instead, flashing him her signature ruthless grin, before sweeping out of the room, her cloak billowing behind her, but her footsteps as silent as ever.

The information Chaol had given her, was clear and concise - straight to the point.

The rebels had started up a week or so after the king and crown prince of wendlyn had been killed. They called themselves 'The Kings' and attacked quickly and efficiently. It was unknown where they go their information from, but they always seemed to know when big things were happening and ambushed them, disappearing before the chaos they had created died down enough for anyone to even think of looking for those who had started it. They always left a bright red signature behind that read 'We are coming for you - The Kings'.

Thats all they had.

But Celaena had more.

She new that they had been started by rebels, and had been created to honour the dead royalty. Those said dead royalty eventually knocked on their doorstep, a couple days after their supposed death, and helped them with future plans, with their link to the Queen. She knew how they got their other information and who had gotten them in contact, to be able to receive it. And she knew who had started the whole idea. Her. Right before she had left.

So theoretically, the mission would be a breeze. Celaena had all the information she needed to track them down and get rid of them. But of course with the whole her helping the group to be created thing, she didn't really want to do it and throw away all that hard work. Unfortunately, Celaena couldn't just tell them to lay low for a couple weeks before starting up again under a new name, because the dots would be connected that they are in fact, the same group. But ah well, she had a whole three week boat trip to come up with something that was short of killing them.

After exiting the throne room, Celaena had headed straight to per chambers to pack as quickly as possible, and getting as much time as she could to talk to her cousin and the rebels one last time for at least a couple months, and they were about to make a break through. They were about to discover why magic had disappeared all those years ago, in only a specific area. Because she had felt it stir whilst in Wendlyn, and as much as she hated her own power, she knew it could make the difference. Knew that it would make the difference.

Having packed several sets of clothes, and several books, Celaena headed to her apartment in the slums, where Ren and Murtaugh were staying, to talk over what was going to happen.

***time skip***

Finally. Celaena had about 30 mins until her boat left and she had spent all of 3 hours discussing what would be done whilst she was away and after she returned. Whilst away, they would discover the reason for magic disappearing and how to bring it back, simple enough right? Nope they had been trying for close to ten years, but they were only missing a few pieces of the puzzle, so it should be able to be done. After Celaena returned, they would bring back magic, and at the same time, kill the king, before returning to Terrasen. It would be the first time since that night that she had returned, and Celaena had no idea how she felt about it.

Anyway, sprinting down to the docks, Celaena made it just as 'five minutes 'til departure' was being called. The docks were swarming with people, both those getting onto boats and getting off them, plus those who were selling their wares to any passing person. At long last, she boarded the boat, and settled down in her cabin, wondering just how she was going to 'complete' this mission for the king.